PROJECT START-UP U.S.

Fish and Wildlife ServiceWetlands

Maps
Soil pollution Hazardous waste data (eg
subsurface storage tanks)
Sewer hookups Tree planting, protection and preservation
ordinances
CHECKLIST Endangered Species Act Soil infiltration analysis
Storm inlet connection
Energy/green/build/lighting
Excavation and fill
PROJECT STARTUP DATA Soil load bearing capacity Curb cuts
Client program STATE AGENCY REGULATORY DATA Soil food web MISC. PLANNING DATA
State Departments of Natural Resources Signage Definition of Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Project dilemma, thesis, and narrative Geotechnical boring data and depth to
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) Street numbering process Permissible land use designations
principles bedrock
State Sediment and Erosion Control Tree planting and preservation Building envelope use restrictions
Project goals Expansion/contraction
Construction budget State Department of Transportation Signage requirements
REFERENCED STANDARDS
Construction schedule Jurisdictional Water Rights UTILITY DATA American Society for Testing and Materials Street numbering process
Dam Approval Municipal Utility Districts (ASTM) Service accessmail, delivery, trash
Survey data
Telephone Company/CATV American National Standards Institute collection
Architectural plans and concepts
Civil engineering plans/roads/utilities LOCAL AND CITY REGULATORY Gas Company (ANSI) Population/demographics
DATA Electric Company American Concrete Institute (ACI) Street numbering process
Topographic survey
Building Departmentbuilding, electrical,
Water Department American Association of State Highway and Population/demographics
Tree survey and plumbing codes
Irrigation District Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Aerial topographic surveys
Structural plans Tree Protection and Preservation Codes
American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Satellite photos
Mechanical/electrical plans Planning and Zoning Departments 300A)
PRIVATE REGULATORY DATA
Site remediation work Zoning and permissible land-use Deed restrictions International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
designations
CLIMATIC DATA
Homeowner covenants, codes, and Brick Industry Association (The) Average high, low, and mean temperatures
TYPOLOGICAL PRECEDENT Area management plans restrictions Indiana Limestone Institute of America, Inc. Solar orientation
Scale relationships associated with similar Permitting and approval processes defined Subdivision regulations National Building Granite Quarries Average annual rainfall
spaces
Submission requirementsplans and Land titles including easements and other Association, Inc
Spatial issues associated with similar Soil frost depth
documents encumbrances
spaces Annual freeze-thaw cycles
Essential program components
Timelines for approvals PRIVATE ASSOCIATION DATA
BUILDING CODES Frost Heave potential
Special city code requirements American Horticultural Society, Plant Heat
Key program relationships associated with BOCA National Building Code (NE USA) Zone Map
the project type Subdivision and PUD regulations
Standard Building Code (SE USA) EXISTING VEGETATION
History and evolution of this type of space Health Department regulations Trees species, caliper, location, and
Uniform Building Code (W USA) PERMISSIBLE LAND USE DATA
Use patterns associated with this type of Fire Department condition of health
Property description, acreage, tax map, and
space are changing Uniform Fire Code (NFPA) Invasive exotic species
Hazard Reviews parcel number
Principles and essential theory associated Tax Assessor Collectortax maps and Property boundary bearings and distances
with the precedent parcels PLAN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS CIRCULATION
Sheet size/format/Number of Copies Permissible land use, density and zoning
Department of Public Works roadways, restrictions Pedestrian
FEDERAL AGENCY DATA drainage, and utilities. Landscape Architecture Seal Vehicular, fire access
Subdivision ordinances
USGS geologic soils maps Permit application forms Mass Transit (bus, light rail, trolley, train,
Public street rights of way
U.S. Army Corp of Engineersflood plain SOILS DATA Application Fees ferry, boat, etc.)
limits Soil types - sizes of mineral particles Existing utility easements
Bicycle
Federal Emergency Management Agency Soil mapping - Determine soil types or other LOCAL BUILDING PERMITS Building setbacks requirements
Service maintenance, trash collection,
(FEMA) flood maps properties of the soil cover Building permit Minimum parking requirements mail
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Soil structure - platy, prismatic, columnar, Lighting (Including night sky protection) Signage ordinances
Guidelines granular, and blocky Green building and/or energy codes Emergency vehicle access requirements
U.S. Census Bureau demographic data Unified Soil Classification System - Soil Tree planting and protection Maximum impervious surface requirements
National Historic Register historic texture and grain size
Water tap and meter connection Open space requirements
buildings, sites, and districts Soil nutrients analysis - availability and
absorption Building and site demolition

This material accompanies Landscape Architecture Documentation Standards: Principles, Guidelines, and Best Practices published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright 2016 by Design Workshop, Inc. All rights reserved.
PROJECT START-UP BASE ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Building footprint
SHEET CHECKLIST
Roof and structure overhangs
COVER SHEET Door and window locations
Project title and location
Finish floor elevations
Title and signature block
Building numbers
Drawings series sheets used
Service areas
Vicinity /regional map
Downspout locations
Agency approval space
Interdisciplinary Coordination
PROPERTY SURVEY PROVIDED BY Overlay consultant drawings to verify base
OWNER sheet layout
Property boundary bearings and distances
Distribute base sheet to other consultants for
Address/street names review prior to proceeding with drawings.
Tract number/Lot number Fire truck access requirements
Street right-of-way lines and building setbacks
Utility easements - water, gas, electric, storm
and sanitary sewers, telephone, cable.
Topography contour and spot elevations
Exiting street curbs, curb cuts, driveway
locations
Existing sidewalks, pavements, and parking
areas
Existing trees and vegetation
100-year floodplain delineation
Roadway classifications/street names/curb
and gutter
Existing drainage elements
Subsurface storage tanks, structures, vaults,
meters, manholes, culverts
Exiting light poles, transformers
Exiting hydrants
Exiting drainage channels/swales

STANDARD SHEET INFORMATION

Base sheet size and scale consistent with
CAD standards.
Limits of work lines indicated
Sheet drawing match lines
PROJECT START-UP
INTERDISCIPLINARY
COORDINATION
Architect
BUILDING UTILITIES
Electrical service, meter, transformer and
backup generator locations
Gas service locations
Potable water supply service locations
Irrigation points of connection, meters, back
flow prevention device locations
Building sewage service locations
Septic drain field locations
Cable TV service locations
Telephone service and pedestals locations
Solar/wind power
BUILDING DESIGN
Parking requirements, including disabled
parking
Accessible building routes
Emergency vehicular access routes
Principal drop-offs locations
Principal building Ingress/egress locations
Emergency building Ingress/egress locations
Building foundation and footing details
Finish floor elevations
Exterior finish grades
Building footprint(s)
Door locations
Window locations and sill heights
Building surface color pallette
Building materials types, details, and finishes
Building roof overhangs, gutters, and
downspout locations
Subsurface drainage points of connection
Subsurface building waterproofing / drainage
details
Air conditioning condenser unit locations
Building fan coil unit locations
Building signage locations
Building exterior lighting locations
External power supply points
Subsurface parking ventilation requirements.
Exterior building lighting in eaves and soffits
Fountain drain coordination and connections
to master drainage systems
Greywater harvesting feasibility
SITE LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES
Pavilions/gazebos
Architectural shade structures
Cabanas/pool accessory buildings
Restroom facilities
Locker room facilities
Irrigation system pump houses
Garages/carports
Civil Engineer
SITE UTILITIES
Storm sewer structure locations and sizes
Sanitary sewer locations and sizes
ROADWAY DESIGN
Water line locations and sizes
Feasibility of emitter systems or constructed
wetlands
Proposed traffic signals and street signage
Overhead lines and poles
Underground utility location - gas, water,
sewer, electric, telecommunications, traffic
signal, etc.
Proposed fire hydrants locations
Overlay proposed tree locations for conflicts
EARTHWORK
Mass grading plan fits landscape grading
Roadway grading allows for driveway access
Locations of erosion and sediment control
devices
Topsoil salvage, storage, and protection
location
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Site watershed boundaries
Existing drainage patterns
Rainfall-runoff model
Drainage catchment and water harvesting
potential
Soil infiltration rates
Storm water infiltration / detention facilities
Porous paving feasibility
Catch basin inlet connections
Building and retaining wall foundation drain
Subsurface drains and drywells
Storm inlets and discharge
Water rights (ownership)
Water table and aquifers recharge
Drainage to and from adjacent sites
Irrigation ditch access and local company
guidelines
Drainage Reports
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Roadway classifications and speed limits
determined
Minimum horizontal curves length range
between 7.5 to 15 times the design speeds.
Cul-de-sac fire access requirements
Right of way boundaries indicated
Clear sight distance areas at intersections
located
Horizontal and vertical alignment coordinated
(horizontal curves should lead vertical
curves when superimposed)
Lengths of vertical curves approximately equal
to horizontal curves
Smooth consistent horizontal alignment based
upon broad sweeping simple curves with
short tangent sections
Roadway designed to fit with proposed
driveway access points
Horizontal alignments parallel to existing
contours
Broken back and compound curves used only
in cases to minimize excessive cuts and fills
Bridges located entirely on curve or tangent
sections
Typical roadway cross sections
Typical Guardrail assemblies
Typical slope rounding details indicated
Native plant revegetation / reforestation
strategies
Snow removal strategies
Emergency vehicle pull-offs and turn-arounds
Structural Engineer
LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES
Review and detailed design of all structural
elements (e.g. footings, walls, pavilions,
overhead structures, bridges, etc.)
Structural Calculations and Reports
Mechanical and Electrical
Engineer
GENERAL
Snowmelt systems
Ground source heat pumps
ELECTRICAL
Overhead and underground lines/easements
Solar/Wind Energy location and sizing
Electrical points of connection
Fuse boxes
Connections for landscape lighting/panels/
timer switch
Transformer locations
Underground conduit requirements
Water Feature Consultant
GENERAL COORDINATION
Mechanical and electrical equipment
requirements
Vault sizes and locations
Mechanical pipe sizes and locations
Water filtration system requirements
Electrical service requirements
Lighting options and locations
Operation and maintenance requirements
POOLS AND FOUNTAINS
Waterproofing and joint sealant requirements
Fountain overflow and drain connection
requirements
Water conservation and energy codes
Pool edge design (e.g. zero edge, coping,
trench drains, etc.)
Pool cover design and product selections
Pool fencing requirements
PONDS AND RESERVOIRS
Pond and reservoir liners products
Lake edge design
Wetland planting design
Biological requirements (Fish structures,
aeration systems, etc.)
Lake bottom design and levels
Pond liner construction details and
specifications
Slope/pitch of lake bottom for safety
Ownership of water source
Lighting Consultant
Lighting theme, intensity levels and distribution
Lighting photometrics and intensity levels
Lighting source (e.g. fluorescent, metal halide,
high-pressure sodium, LED, etc)
Lighting control locations
Low-voltage transformer locations
Lighting mounting details
Lighting Voltage requirements
Step light locations in section
Coordination with pool lighting
Security lighting
Signage lighting
Motion sensors
Ambient light control near windows
Conformance with local lighting codes
Step lighting locations
Coordination of pool lighting with water feature
consultant
Security and audiovisual consultant

Geotechnical / Soils Agronomy

Soil classification and types, moisture density
relationships, and expansive characteristics
Soil texture (sand, silt, clay, loam)
Soil fertility (nitrogen (N), phosphate (P),
potash (K), Sulphur (S), calcium (Ca) and
magnesium (Mg))
Soil pH levels
Soil contamination levels
Soil depth to bedrock
Soil infiltration rates
Soil load bearing capacity
Hazardous or toxic waste discovery
Geotechnical report and recommendations
(paving, walls, footings, sub-drainage,
irrigation system, etc.)
MISCELLANEOUS DRAWING
CHECKLISTS
LANDSCAPES OVER STRUCTURE
Limits of work scope and responsibility distinctions
between landscape architect and architect. Coordinate
the detailing and specifications for the following items:
Insulation
Topping slab, if required
Drainage structures, at top of structure and at
finish grade
Waterproof membrane,
Drainage/filter layer,
Protection board or protection board/drainage
board composite
Waterproofing membrane system has been identified
(e.g. hot-liquid applied system, cold-applied, bituminous
coating, polymeric sheets, etc.)
Waterproofing system is root-resistant, allows soil depth
necessary to support vegetation, and is leak tested prior
to installation of remaining green roof components
Saturated weight of the green roof system has been
reviewed and approved by a structural engineer
All mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and drainage
connections and sleeves have been identified and
coordinated between landscape architect and team
engineers
All waterproofing details have been developed to
address all utility penetrations (e.g. gas lines for fire pits,
potable water, irrigation and water feature supply lines,
drainage, etc.) Waterproofing details typically developed
by engineers and coordinated with landscape
architectural details
Roof parapet and railing heights meet local building
codes
Water feature requirements have been reviewed and
coordinated with structural engineer to satisfy loading
requirements
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Playground equipment is deemed appropriate to age
group(s) that it serves
Playground equipment spacing and fall zones are in
accordance with manufacturers safety requirements
Type and thickness of playground surfacing materials
are in accordance with manufacturers safety
requirements to lessen injury from falls
Enlarged Plans, Sections and Details are developed to
properly equipment installation requirements
TENNIS COURTS
Verify court size and paving surface material
requirements (eg asphalt, clay, grass, etc.)
Court orientation along north-south axis or 15 to 20
degrees west or east of north-south depending upon
specific region is U.S. or abroad
Audience and/or player seating areas, suited to specific
role of courts
Drinking fountains
Pavement slope between 0.51 percent, preferably in
two planes as per inductry standards
Subgrade drainage requirements, if applicable
Net and post product specified
Connection details for light standards, net posts, and
perimeter fencing
Determine fencing height requirements and material
options meets owner requirements
Fencing windscreen or netting curtains/privacy fabric
Markings/lines
POOL AND FOUNTAIN DESIGN
Swimming pool design meets local codes for layout,
accessibility, depths, surfaces, steps, diving board,
ladders, signage, fixtures, lighting, cover, fencing and
lifesaving equipment
Pool equipment and control room properly sized to fit
mechanical pumps, filters, heaters, and pool supplies
Typical details provided for all pool edges, coping,
gutter, weirs, and finishes
Existing and proposed tree types adjacent to pools
pose minimal leaf, fruit, and flower drop
Adjacent paving surfaces have positive drainage away
from pool
Identify decorative pool pump sizes and types
(submersible or centrifugal)
Identify decorative pool weir lengths, depths and flow
rates
Identify type of pool treatment system and all proposed
materials including coping, tile, interior finish, pool
markers, lighting, pool covers, railings, signage and
other required equipment
Decorative pools have a minimum of 18 to 24-inch water
depth and ozone system to deter algae growth
Incorporate pool safety barrier/fence (enclosure) as per
state and/or local code requirements or building code
Incorporate pool safety signage as per state and/or
local code requirements or building code
PONDS AND LAKES
Layout of the pond in plans and sections. Include fluid
elevation, capacity, perimeter slopes of the liner, and
overflow elevation
Coordinate lake filtration/aeration system in consultation
with fresh water aquaculture specialist for fish and plant
adaptability. Nutrient and organic matter to be quantified
Identify valves, sumps, underdrains, air/gas vents, and
the leakage monitoring system
Fish structures detailed and located
Identify lake edge section(s) and materials (e.g.
degree of slope, water depth, sand, soil, gravel/cobble,
boulders, native grasses, wetland planting, etc.)
Identify product selections such as pumps, waterproof
membrane, standpipes, overflows, drains, filters, and
lighting
Identify required locations and typical details for special
joints, seams, and items penetrating the liner and cover
Indicate locations and typical details of anchorage at
pond perimeter
Consider shallow areas with sand beach for wading
Provide diversions channels outside of lake edge to
capture silt and fertilizers
Incorporate means to drain pond or lake
Consider island for bird refuge
Incorporate safety signage as per state and/or local
code requirements or building code
WOOD DECKS
Review all plan details, connections and wood sizing
with structural engineer.
Deck plan and details include concrete pier/footing,
post, beam, and joist sizes and spacing (Refer to local
tables for required size and spacing.)
Local building codes have been verified for deck height,
railings, and load requirements
Clear spacing between deck railing pickets is 4-inch
maximum
Door and threshold connections have been coordinated
with the building architect
Spacing between decking allows for drainage
Decking is installed bark side up to prevent cupping
All lumber in contact with soil has been pressure treated
for rot resistance
All deck footings are below frost depth
All deck material, grades, and finishes are specified
Consider LEED-compliant wood materials, e.g. decking
that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified,
salvaged, recycled-content or locally sourced.
Consider plastic lumber for its environmental benefits,
including that made from recycled plastics such as milk
jugs and detergent bottles.
A
. ll metal hardware, fasteners, hanger, and nails to be
hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel.
WALL STRUCTURES
Review all walls over 48 inches in height with a
structural engineer.
Include typical wall sections, elevations of all wall faces
and enlarged plans if necessary.
Indicate vertical and horizontal contraction, expansion,
construction, mortar and other joints.
Include relationships between wall jointing and adjoining
pavement jointing.
Indicate wall materials (e.g. cast in place concrete, CMU
block, stone, brick, plaster, gabion basket walls, etc.).
Indicate size and spacing of steel reinforcement bars.
Indicate wall batter. (e.g. 1 per vertical foot of wall
height).
All wall footings are below frost depth
Retaining wall details indicate weephole sizes and
spacing, continuous perforated pipe tied into drainage
system, and swale above back of wall to intercept
overflow
Indicate wall cap jointing.
All wall caps are pitched to provide drainage
STEPS
Accessible steps with landings top and bottom, railings
on both sides at a minimum, and any leading edge
markings on the treads, have been provided as required
and are in accordance with applicable local, state or
Federal codes
CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE PAVEMENT SITE FURNISHINGS
Location, extent, slopes, and configurations of concrete Plan layouts, enlarged plans, elevations, and extent
pavements indicated of site furnishings; sizes and numbers of components;
critical dimensions; and clearances if not specified or
P
. avement thickness, reinforcement and sub-grade
scheduled. If applicable, use designations on schedules
design coordinated with structural engineer and
reflective of geotechnical analysis Relationships to other work, site grading and drainage,
landscaping, hardscaping, fences, landscape irrigation
Patterns, textures, and colors of decorative concrete
systems, site utilities, site lighting, and other site
pavement finishes identified in materials drawing series
improvements
and Specifications
Pavement conditions where site furnishings are
Textures/surface finishes have been researched,
attached. Include relationships between furnishing and
selected per a sample in the design phase, and
pavement jointing, with use of enlarged plans
identified (e.g. broom, surface seeded aggregate,
sandblast, retarder, or acid-wash) Locations of pipe sleeves, anchor bolts, or voids cast in
concrete
Coloring materials and methods have been researched,
selected per a sample in the design phase and Locations of anchors for attached site furnishings,
identified (e.g. integral color, pigmented mineral dry- and anchorage details for attached or embedded site
shake hardeners, or stains) furnishings, including anti-theft hold-down brackets
Decorative stamping methods have been researched,
selected per a sample in the design phase and
identified (e.g. mat stamping, tool stamping, or roller
stamping)
Curing and sealing compounds have been researched
and identified to prevent color fading, provide a surface
appearance, and improve slip resistance
Plans and details of construction mock-ups indicated
Materials drawings indicate details of intersections with
adjacent buildings, structures, curbs and gutters, edge
conditions, and drainage structures
Locations, spacing, widths, and details of contraction
(control), construction, decorative score, cold, and
isolation (expansion) joints, including doweling and
sealing
Jurisdictional details and Specifications have been
reviewed and either incoporated or instructed to be
deleted
Accessible curb ramps and landings, including
detectable warning plates and/or other requirements
(e.g. textured grooves, colored, etc.) have been
provided as required and are in accordance with
applicable local, state or Federal codes (e.g. curb ramps
with flared sides or directional curb ramps)
Accessible ramps with landings top and bottom and
railings on both sides have been provided as required
and are in accordance with applicable local, state or
Federal codes